Apollo’s Boxing Tips – “The European Guard”
The European guard, also known as the the tight guard or high guard, is one of the first guards we teach our boxers at Apollo’s Boxing, Bolton!
The European guard is a defensive boxing guard achieved by a positioning of the arms with elbows tucked to the ribs, and hands open with palms stuck to the side of your head, similar to the picture of Floyd Mayweather above!
The ideology of all guards in boxing is to limit the openings available to your opponent. However, there is no flawless guard and all carry their benefits and drawbacks, some of which for the “European Guard” are listed below.
Pros of the European Guard
- Easy to use and doesn’t require good reactions – This guard doesn’t rely on any fast reactions or movements, just small adjustments to close the openings that are there, such as dropping the elbows to sit on and catch body shots!
- Leave the least openings out of all the guards – this guard leaves very small openings for your opponent to take advantage of, making this guard arguably the safest guard to use defensively!
This guard is perfect if you’re tired or hurt as it limits any damage you may otherwise be open to take. This guard is also useful against a faster or tricky opponent where you cannot see the punches coming!
The European Guard, although is one of the safest guards as mentioned above does have some disadvantages, some of which are discussed below.
Cons of the European Guard
- Can obstruct your vision – the guard is tight to your head and so it’s easier for shots to come around the side without you seeing as your peripheral vision is blocked by your hands.
- Potentially ineffective for offence – With your hands being tight to your head it is more difficult to get your shots off fast and therefore gives your opponent more time to react. It is also easier for your opponent to pin your hands to your body when framing and not allowing you the freedom to throw your punches as easily!
As we always say down at Apollo’s Boxing of Bolton, there is no right or wrong technique or strategy, just a right time and place. As discussed above there are pros and cons to this guard, as with others, but it’s up-to you to master this guard with the building blocks and coaching we provide and figure out when to use this guard and against who!
In the video below one of the best with this guard Winky Wright displays the European guard with great success!
At Apollo’s Boxing in Bolton we teach all aspects of boxing training from boxing technique, to psychology of the sport! We make sure all of our students whether amateur boxers, white collar boxers, amateur or professional MMA fighters learn as much as possible about the sport of boxing!
If you would like any more information on boxing technique or would like some information on our boxing one to ones or classes then please feel free to contact us at Apollo’s Boxing of Bolton!